Apparatus for loading containers with objects

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is described that is used to load containers with small objects similar to Flash memory SD or micro SD cards. The apparatus can be made in three configurations; a fully manual operated configuration, a manual configuration in combination with one or more automated machines, and finally as a fully automated handling apparatus. In its simplest form, the apparatus consists of a base plate with an attached bar containing a grooved bar member such that the jewel cases are restrained in the grooved bar member in such a way as to allow the jewel cases to be moved in a linear or circular direction and provide means such that the cases can be easily loaded with the objects and then removed from the base plate.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the packaging of small objects such as electronic memory products into containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Memory products such as SD and micro SD Flash memory cards are normally shipped in plastic containers referred to as “Jewel Cases”. Jewel cases are typically made from one piece of molded plastic which opens up as two parts. The first part is a bottom section that holds the memory, and the second part is a top section which folds over and snaps to the bottom section. The typical loading sequence requires (1) opening the empty case, (2) insertion of memory card in the correct orientation, and then (3) closing of the case. When performed by a single person, the process is slow and tedious.

What is needed is an apparatus that provides a method for efficient loading of small objects into containers, either by manual means or by introduction of one or more automated handling machines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus is described that is used to load containers with small objects similar to Flash memory SD or micro SD cards, but the small objects are not limited to these examples. The apparatus can be made in three configurations: either (1) a fully manual operated configuration, (2) a manual configuration in combination with one or more automated machines, or finally as (3) a fully automated handling apparatus.

In its simplest form, the apparatus consists of a base plate with an attached bar containing a grooved bar member. The jewel cases are restrained in the grooved bar member in such a way as to allow for the jewel cases to be moved in a linear or circular direction and then provide means such that the cases can be easily loaded with the objects, and then removed from the base plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of a jewel case in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of a jewel case of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of a first embodiment of an apparatus for loading a jewel case in an embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a magnified end view of apparatus of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is the apparatus for loading the jewel cases of FIG. 2A and 2B with a, a magnified bar member.

FIG. 4A is a top view of a second embodiment of an apparatus for loading jewel cases.

FIG. 4B is an illustrated end view of FIG. 4A of sections for holding the jewel cases.

FIG. 5A illustrates an adjustable means for holding the jewel case to accommodate various widths and heights.

FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of the bar member with slots in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of the bar member with slots for bolts and tapped holes.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an automated apparatus in accordance with the present embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to the packaging of small objects such as electronic memory products into containers. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the embodiments and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of a fully opened jewel case 100 in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of a jewel case 100 of FIG. 1A. The jewel case 100 is normally molded from a single piece of plastic. The jewel case 100 comprises a top piece 101, which has a top latch mechanism 102. The jewel case 100 also has a bottom piece 110 which has a bottom latch mechanism 112. The bottom latch mechanism 112 that forms a latch when mated with the top latch mechanism 102. The jewel case 100 includes a bottom device holding fixture 113 that holds an object 120, such as a flash memory card, being placed in the jewel case 100, and also a hinge 105, that holds together the top piece 101 and the bottom piece 110 when the jewel box 100 is closed.

FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of an apparatus 200 for loading a jewel case 100 in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 2B is a magnified end view of apparatus 200 of FIG. 2A. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B together, the apparatus 200 comprises a base plate 201 which has a grooved bar 204 that runs the length of the base plate 201. Section 210 represents the loading zone, section 211 represents the middle zone, and section 212 represents the exit zone.

FIG. 3 shows an open jewel case 100 inserted into the apparatus 200 such that the top latch mechanism 102 is constrained in the grooved bar 204 of the loading section 211. When the jewel case 100 moves down the grooved bar 204, the holding fixture 113 is easily loaded with the object 120 intended for placement in the jewel case 100. After insertion of the object 120, the jewel case 100 is conveyed further down the base plate 201 to where the object 120 inside the jewel case 100 is inspected. The object 120 is then removed from the grooved bar 204, the jewel case 100 is closed and the closed jewel case 100 is placed in an output bin (not shown).

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 together, the process by which the objects 120, such as flash memory cards, are inserted into the jewel cases 100 using the disclosed apparatus 202 is as follows. The jewel cases 100 are opened flat. The jewel cases 100 are then placed onto the base plate 201 in the loading zone 210 with the top latch mechanism 102 of the jewel case 100 inserted into the groove of bar 204. The jewel cases 100 are then moved along the base to the middle zone 211, allowing them to be loaded with the target objects 120 into a holder 113 of the jewel case bottom 110. After being loaded, the jewel cases 100 are then moved to the exit zone 212 where they can be inspected for correct insertion of the target objects 120. The jewel cases 100 are then removed from the base plate 201 and placed in the finished bin (not shown).

FIG. 4A is a top view of an apparatus 204 for loading jewel cases 100. FIG. 4B is an end view 403A, 403B and 4030 of sections for holding the jewel cases 100. A second embodiment uses a modified grooved bar 402. A modified groove bar 402 as shown in FIG. 4A and 4B, whereby an open area 404A and 4040 is added to both the beginning and end of the bar 402 by elimination of the overhang of the groove 404A and 404C in bar 402, as shown in FIG. 4B. This modification of bar 402 aids in the insertion and extraction of the jewel cases 100 in sections 210 and section 212 respectively. The length of the opening in the loading zone 210 can be short, because when the apparatus is used in a manual mode only one card is put into the groove of the modified grooved bar 402 at any given time.

Although different jewel cases 100 are similar in size and appearance, the actual physical dimensions often vary in their exact height, length, and width. In a functioning apparatus, the height, z, and width, x, of the groove in the bar (not shown) must be correctly machined. In particular, the width, x, of the groove is a critical dimension. If the width, x, is too narrow, the jewel case 100 cannot slide down the groove. If the groove is too wide, the jewel case 100 can easily rotate and cause a jam. The other critical dimension is the height, z, of the jewel case body 100. If the groove height, z, is too short, the jewel case 100 will jam.

What is needed is a simple means of adjusting the exact position of the grooved bar 402 in relation to the base plate 201 of the apparatus. FIG. 5A illustrates a magnified end view of means for holding the jewel case 100 to accommodate various widths and heights. FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of the bar 403 in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 50 illustrates a side view of bar 404. A third embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, 5B and 50 provides means for adjustment of the apparatus 204 to accommodate different widths, z, of the side latch and the height x, of the side wall of jewel cases 100. In this embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the bar 202 of FIG. 1 is replaced by bars 403 and 404 which allow height, z, and depth, x, to be adjusted using bolts 505 and 506 respectively. As shown in FIG. 5, the bolts 505 and 506 are placed selectively along the length of the bars 403 and 404 and pass through slots that allow the adjustment to be done easily. The modifications shown in FIG. 5 that allow adjustment of the groove height, z, and width, x, are representative of the many possible means available to those skilled in the art for making these small adjustments.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an automated apparatus 602 in accordance with the present embodiment. A fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, a fully automated apparatus 602 is shown. The containers are inserted into a grooved bar 604 by machine 601. The containers are then transported to a second machine 602 which places the object 120 in the container. The containers are then transported to a third machine 603 which removes the loaded containers and closes together the top lid/latch mechanism 102 and bottom lids/latch mechanism 112 of the jewel cases. A conveyor belt 605 is used to transport the containers from machine 601 to 602 and finally to 603. Although three machines 601, 602 and 603 plus a conveyor system are shown in FIG. 6, any or all of these machines 601, 602 and 603 may be used individually or in any combination to form an efficient container loading system.

Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and those variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for use in loading containers with objects, the bottom of each of the containers having a fixture that holds the object and also having a protruding member along one of its edges the apparatus comprising: a base plate: a grooved bar member attached to the base plate; the protruding member of the container bottom fits into the grooved bar member, such that when an open container is placed on the base plate inside the grooved bar member the container is constrained to travel in the grooved bar member allowing easy insertion of objects into the container by either manual or automated means.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the protruding member of the bottom of the container is a latch mechanism.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the container has a top and a bottom held together with a hinge and joined with a latch.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the container is a plastic jewel case.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the object is a Flash memory device.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the grooved bar member allows easy insertion of the container therewithin by having a lead in area where the width of the grooved bar member is significantly wider than the protruding member on the bottom of the container.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the grooved bar member allows easy extraction of the container constrained in the grooved bar member by having an exit area where the width of the grooved bar member is significantly wider than the protruding member on the bottom of the container.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the height of the grooved bar member is variable by allowing the grooved bar member to move in a direction perpendicular to the base plate of the apparatus.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the width of the grooved bar member is variable by allowing the grooved bar member to move in a direction parallel to the base plate of the apparatus.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, where an automated machine is used to insert an open container with a protruding member in the grooved bar member.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, where an automated machine is used to insert the object in a container that is constrained to travel in the grooved bar member.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, where an automated machine is used to close a container that is constrained to travel in the grooved bar member.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, where an automated machine is used to check whether an inserted object has been correctly placed in the container. 